Rhode Island General Laws Title 16. Education § 16-59-18. Receipts from sources other than appropriations

(a) All receipts from all sources other than state appropriations shall not be covered into the general fund of the state, but shall be kept by the general treasurer of the state in a separate fund for the council on postsecondary education, and shall be paid out by the treasurer upon the order of the council, without the necessity of appropriation or re-appropriation by the general assembly.

(b) The council on postsecondary education shall ensure that state colleges have a structure in place to prohibit these colleges from accepting funds that would interfere with or restrict academic freedom at the state colleges. Nothing contained in this subsection shall be construed in a way as to prohibit a donor from earmarking funds for a particular purpose or use including but not limited to research, scholarships, construction, or development.